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Frequently asked questions

We know that it can be confusing when you start something new. You may have questions about our courses or about the college itself. Hopefully you will find answers to your questions below. If not, please contact the team who will be happy to talk to you.

Does it cost anything to attend a course?

Courses are free to all students registered with the Recovery College. To check if you qualify to register with the college see ‘How to Register’.

How long are the courses?

Courses range from a single 3 hr session up to and 8 session course (3 hrs a week, every week, on the same day). Our timetable will clearly show you how long each course is and how many sessions it includes.

How many people can I expect in a class?

Most of our courses have a maximum of 25 places available. Normally you can expect between 7 and 15 people turning up for each session, although there will be times when all 25 attend.

Is there homework?

Some of our courses include skills or exercises that you are asked to practice at home between sessions. I can be challenging but you’ll get the most out of your course if you manage to practice at home.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

No – our courses are about participation rather than note taking. On some courses the trainer will provide you with notes to take away with you.

Is this therapy?

No – the college teaches life skills and helps you to develop tools and techniques that will support you and allow you to take control of your own wellbeing.

Is it confidential?

Yes – you can talk about as much or as little as you want, although we’d encourage all students to participate during the class. The only reason we would have to discuss your details outside of class would be if we were given reason to worry about your safety or the safety of those around you.

How long can I keep coming to the college?

You can keep attending the college for 12 months after you have been discharged from a Trust team or service.

Can I do a course more than once if I feel I need to?

Yes – students do sometimes choose to repeat a course, particularly if they found it challenging the first time around. There are no blocks to repeating a course, however we do ask students to limit how often they repeat our most popular courses – this is to make sure new students get a fair chance to attend these courses as well.

What do I do if I simply don’t know where to start?

This is a common question, and the answer is really simple – come along to one of our open days. We hold these drop in sessions 6 times each year and they’re a great opportunity to chat with a trainer or peer trainer and figure out what courses would work best for you.

What is recovery?

One in four of us will suffer from a mental health problem at some time in our lives.

Being diagnosed with mental illness can be very frightening. Sometimes people can lose confidence in themselves and feel very alone and scared.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Recovery is possible for everyone.

In mental health, recovery is the process of rebuilding a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life with a diagnosis of mental health problems.

Recovery is a uniquely personal journey and can mean differnt things to different people.

As the journey is so personal and individual, no-one can tell you what you need to do. Many of the courses we offer will be of help, but over time you will work out, with support, what skills and learning is most important for your recovery.

Recovery often starts with the feeling of hope and our trainers are inspirational and skilled at embodying the principles of recovery. It involves making sense of and finding meaning in what has happened, becoming an expert in your own self-care, building a new sense of self and purpose and discovering your own resourcefulness.

Useful resources

Here are some useful resources that provide information about mental illness

This website contains information about psychosis and was designed for family members and friends of people who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or another illness that may result in the symptoms of psychosis.

A resource centre provided by the University Hospital of Colombia and Cornell, explaining the symptoms and treatment of those with BPD.

Recovery College news and events

There’s always lots happening at the Recovery College.

With venues across Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton, Kingston & Richmond and in the Recovery College at Springfield hospital there are always courses and workshops running. If you're unsure which course might work for you then you can come along to one of our open days and chat to the team. We hold these at the start and finish of every term in a variety of locations throughout the borough.